xuéxí: 学习 - To Study, To Learn

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• Summary: Discover the deep meaning of 学习 (xuéxí), the fundamental Chinese word for “to study” or “to learn.” More than just hitting the books, `xuéxí` embodies the culturally vital process of diligent study, constant practice, and lifelong self-improvement. This guide breaks down how to use `xuéxí` in daily conversation, its cultural significance, and provides practical examples for any beginner wanting to learn Chinese effectively.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xuéxí
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: To acquire knowledge or a skill through study, experience, or being taught.
• In a Nutshell: `学习` is the go-to verb for the entire act of learning. It’s not just about cramming for an exam; it’s about the whole journey. It covers everything from a child learning to read in a classroom to an adult learning to cook a new dish. The word itself combines the idea of “receiving knowledge” with “repeatedly practicing,” capturing the complete, cyclical nature of true mastery.

• 学 (xué): This character means “to learn” or “to study.” You can picture its components: the top (⺍) looks like two hands guiding a child (子, zǐ) below. It represents the act of teaching and being taught.
• 习 (xí): This character means “to practice” or “to review.” Its ancient form was a pictogram of a young bird (the top part, 羽, means “wings”) repeatedly flapping its wings to learn how to fly. This beautifully illustrates the idea that learning requires constant practice and repetition.
• Together: `学 (xué)` is the initial input of knowledge, and `习 (xí)` is the essential practice to master it. `学习 (xuéxí)` therefore represents the complete and ideal process of learning: receiving instruction and then solidifying it through practice.

In Chinese culture, `学习` is more than just an activity; it's a core value and a moral virtue. Rooted in Confucian ideals, education has historically been seen as the primary path to not only personal success but also to bringing honor to one's family and contributing to society. The ancient and rigorous imperial examination system (科举, kējǔ) cemented this idea for centuries. While Western culture certainly values education, the concept of “learning” can often be framed around individual passion, discovery, and personal fulfillment (“find what you love”). The Chinese concept of `学习` carries a stronger weight of diligence, discipline, and perseverance. It's a testament to the belief that hard work can overcome any obstacle. This is perfectly captured in the famous saying 活到老，学到老 (huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo), which translates to “Live until you're old, learn until you're old,” emphasizing that learning is a duty and a pleasure that lasts a lifetime.

`学习` is an extremely common and versatile verb used in many contexts:

• Formal Education: This is its most frequent use, referring to academic study.
  • e.g., “I study chemistry.” (我学习化学。)
• Acquiring a Skill: It's used for learning practical skills outside of school.
  • e.g., “She is learning to drive.” (她正在学习开车。)
• Learning From Someone (Figurative): This is a very important social usage. Saying you want to “learn from” someone is a sign of humility and respect.
  • e.g., “You did that so well, I need to learn from you!” (你做得这么好，我要向你学习！)
• In Corporate or Political Slogans: The term is often used to encourage continuous improvement. A famous phrase from the Mao era, still seen today, is 好好学习，天天向上 (hǎo hǎo xuéxí, tiāntiān xiàngshàng), meaning “Study well and make progress every day.”

The connotation of `学习` is almost always positive, implying a commitment to self-improvement.

• Example 1:
  • 我每天都学习中文。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ měitiān dōu xuéxí Zhōngwén.
  • English: I study Chinese every day.
  • Analysis: A simple, direct statement about studying a school subject. This is the most common usage for a language learner.
• Example 2:
  • 你在大学学习什么专业？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zài dàxué xuéxí shénme zhuānyè?
  • English: What major are you studying at university?
  • Analysis: Shows how `学习` is used to ask about a course of academic study. `专业 (zhuānyè)` means “major” or “specialty.”
• Example 3:
  • 他学习很努力，所以成绩很好。
  • Pinyin: Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, suǒyǐ chéngjì hěn hǎo.
  • English: He studies very hard, so his grades are very good.
  • Analysis: Here, `学习` is used as a verb that can be described by an adverb (`努力`, diligently/hard). This emphasizes the effort aspect of the word.
• Example 4:
  • 我最近在学习怎么做饭。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuìjìn zài xuéxí zěnme zuòfàn.
  • English: Recently, I've been learning how to cook.
  • Analysis: A great example of `学习` used for a practical, everyday skill, not just academic subjects.
• Example 5:
  • 我们应该向雷锋同志学习。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi xiàng Léi Fēng tóngzhì xuéxí.
  • English: We should learn from Comrade Lei Feng.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, slightly formal phrase showing the “learn from a role model” usage. The structure `向 (xiàng) + [Person] + 学习` is very common for expressing admiration and a desire to emulate someone.
• Example 6:
  • 学习一门新语言需要时间和耐心。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí yī mén xīn yǔyán xūyào shíjiān hé nàixīn.
  • English: Learning a new language requires time and patience.
  • Analysis: Here, `学习` acts as the subject of the sentence (a gerund in English). `一门 (yī mén)` is a measure word for academic subjects or languages.
• Example 7:
  • 他通过在线课程学习编程。
  • Pinyin: Tā tōngguò zàixiàn kèchéng xuéxí biānchéng.
  • English: He learns programming through online courses.
  • Analysis: A modern context, showing how `学习` adapts to new methods like online learning. `通过 (tōngguò)` means “through” or “by means of.”
• Example 8:
  • 孩子们的学习能力很强。
  • Pinyin: Háizi men de xuéxí nénglì hěn qiáng.
  • English: Children's ability to learn is very strong.
  • Analysis: In this sentence, `学习` is used attributively with `能力 (nénglì)` to mean “learning ability.”
• Example 9:
  • 你必须从错误中学习。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bìxū cóng cuòwù zhōng xuéxí.
  • English: You must learn from your mistakes.
  • Analysis: Shows the abstract use of `学习`. The structure `从…中学习 (cóng…zhōng xuéxí)` means “to learn from…”
• Example 10:
  • 好好学习，天天向上。
  • Pinyin: Hǎo hǎo xuéxí, tiāntiān xiàngshàng.
  • English: Study hard and make progress every day.
  • Analysis: A famous idiom often said to students. `好好 (hǎo hǎo)` means “thoroughly” or “diligently,” and is often placed before a verb to encourage someone to do that action well.

• `学习 (xuéxí)` vs. `学 (xué)`: This is a common point of confusion.
  • `学 (xué)` is shorter and often more colloquial. It's frequently used for the initial act of learning or when the object is simple (especially single-character words): `学车 (xué chē)` - learn to drive, `学画 (xué huà)` - learn to draw.
  • `学习 (xuéxí)` is slightly more formal and emphasizes the entire process of study and practice. It's preferred for more complex or abstract subjects: `学习历史 (xuéxí lìshǐ)` - to study history, `学习科学 (xuéxí kēxué)` - to study science.
  • Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, `学习` is often the safer, more complete choice.
• “To learn” vs. “To find out/realize”: In English, we say “I learned that he isn't coming today.” An English speaker might mistakenly translate this using `学习`. This is incorrect. `学习` is for acquiring a skill or systematic knowledge, not for discovering a piece of information.
  • Incorrect: 我学习他今天不来了。(Wǒ xuéxí tā jīntiān bù lái le.)
  • Correct: 我知道了 / 发现他今天不来了。(Wǒ zhīdào le / fāxiàn tā jīntiān bù lái le.) - “I found out / realized he isn't coming today.”

• 学 (xué) - To learn. The first character of `学习`, often used alone as a shorter, more colloquial verb.
• 练习 (liànxí) - To practice. This concept is the “习” part of `学习`, focusing on the repetition needed for mastery.
• 复习 (fùxí) - To review. The crucial act of going over material you have already studied.
• 研究 (yánjiū) - To research; to study in-depth. This is more academic and intensive than `学习`.
• 上课 (shàngkè) - To attend class. A specific activity that is part of the broader process of `学习`.
• 学生 (xuésheng) - Student. The person who does the `学习`.
• 教育 (jiàoyù) - Education. The formal system or field within which `学习` takes place.
• 自学 (zìxué) - To self-study; to teach oneself.
• 活到老，学到老 (huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo) - “Live to old age, learn to old age.” A famous proverb embodying the cultural value of lifelong learning.
• 学问 (xuéwèn) - Knowledge, learning (as a noun). Refers to the body of knowledge one possesses.